Miami Marlins: 8 First Baseman to Target in the 2021 MLB Draft

With the Miami Marlins looking to add to their already stacked farm system in the upcoming 2021 MLB Draft, there are multiple highly-rated first baseman available. While first base may not be as big of an immediate need due to No. 6 prospect Lewin Diaz knocking on the door of the big leagues, there are still multiple intriguing options to consider going forward.

The Miami Marlins may look for a first baseman in the 2021 MLB Draft.

As mentioned previously, Diaz is most-likely the Miami Marlins first baseman of the future. That however does not mean that they will not look for depth at the position, with these eight Draft prospects among the ones they could target. (Draft Prospect Rankings courtesy of MLB.com)

8. Tyler Miller

School: Auburn

Originally drafted by the Pirates in the 23rd Round of the 2018 MLB Draft, Miller spent a year in JUCO before transferring to Auburn in 2020. After moving around positionally during the 2020 season, Miller enjoyed a phenomenal 2021 season for the Tigers slashing .313/.354/.601 with 16 HR’s and 61 RBI’s spending 48 games as Auburn’s primary first baseman.

Rated as the No. 231 overall prospect in this Draft, Miller has flashed some consistent power potential over the last year playing in the best college baseball conference in the country. While his defensive consistency will surely need to improve over-time, the positional versatility and athleticism for the 21-year old makes Miller an intriguing option for any team.

7. Tyler Hardman

School: Oklahoma

A 4-year player for the Sooners, Hardman was originally a 37th Round pick out of high school by the Rockies in the 2017 MLB Draft, but decided to attend Oklahoma. Starting at first base in every game his final three seasons, Hardman slashed .311/.392/.497 for his career with 24 HR’s and 119 RBI’s, which also including a Big 12 best .397 AVG this past season.

Rated as the No. 194 overall player in this Draft, Hardman is a strong all-around hitter on the offensive side of the ball, but his defensive skill-set has most scouts believing he will most likely stick at first base. When looking at Hardman overall, it’s hard to not get excited about the recent offensive track record for the 22-year old.

6. Dominic Keegan

School: Vanderbilt

One of the better offensive first baseman in all of college baseball last season was Keegan, who slashed .345/.427/.638 for the Commodores. The arguable best hitter for the CWS Runner-Up in 2021, the No. 176 overall prospect in this Draft’s strength is 100% his offensive abilities.

Keegan displays above-average power with his right-handed swing, with potential to improve even-more with consistency. While he projects as an average defensive first baseman, Keegan has previously spent time at catcher, while also projecting as a possible corner outfielder or third baseman making him an intriguing prospect to watch for.

5. Branden Boissiere

School: Arizona

When looking at college bats available in this Draft, you won’t find many with more eye-popping numbers than Boissiere. Rated as the No. 159 overall prospect in this Draft, Boissiere slashed .355/.434/.488 during his three seasons with the Wildcats.

An excellent hitter, the 21-year old displays at-least average power from the left-side of the plate, while also an excellent defender at first base. You won’t find many college first baseman with a previous track record better than Boissiere, making the Arizona first baseman a prime candidate to be selected in the upper rounds.

2. Kyle Manzardo

School: Washington State

As is the case with most of the previous first baseman on this list, Manzardo posted an outstanding career at Washington State slashing a combined .336/.404/.533 across three seasons. Rated as the No. 81 overall prospect in this Draft, it’s clear why the 20-year old is considered one of the top first baseman available.

Manzardo is an outstanding hitter and fielder, both of which his grade at least a 50 on MLB’s 20/80 scale. Displaying a powerful left-handed swing, Manzardo has shown an ability to rarely strikeout, while also showing an ability to draw a near equal amount of walks to K’s making it clear as to why he continues to rise up Draft boards.

1. Alex Binelas

School: Louisville

The top rated first baseman in this Draft, Binelas also comes in rated as the No. 65 overall prospect available. Originally a 35th Round pick by the Nationals in the 2018 MLB Draft, Binelas slashed a combined .272/.363/.608 during his time at Louisville.

Binelas entered the 2021 season as a projected First Round pick, and after struggling to begin the year finished with 19 HR’s and 63 RBI’s in 196 at-bats. The 21-year old has split time at first and third base throughout his college career, but his HR power and overall potential is evident making Binelas most-likely the top first baseman taken over the next week.

While there might not be an immediate need as big as other positions, there are still some quality first baseman in this Draft, should the Miami Marlins look for one in the middle rounds.